The Aura is By FAR the Best New Way to Get Better Sleep

Let’s clear the air: We realize we’ve been talking nonstop about smartwatches and wearables. Because, well frankly, we’re excited about them. But as pumped as we are, when it comes to sleeping, we have to admit: We like to do it au naturel. Well, at least our wrist does.

And it can be as naked as a jaybird thanks to the Aura sleep tracker from Withings.

Here’s how it works: A sensor pad is placed –– get this –– not under your sheet, but under your mattress, so you don’t even know it’s there. But the pad definitely knows you’re there and is hypersensitive to your presence. From underneath all the springs and filing, it can feel the rise and fall of your chest; it can feel if you’re tossing and turning or if you simply move a finger; and it can even detect your heart rate. It takes your breathing rate, heart rate, and movements into consider to figure out when you’re sleeping lightly and when you REM-ing hardcore

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But since it’s hard to change sleep habits just based on movement, heart-rate, and breathing, (those things are kind of, sort of hard to change), the Aura has a sidekick: An ambient light that doubles as an alarm clock. The bedside companion records bumps in the night and temperature changes and then reports back via your iPhone in the morning to let you know what might have been the cause of your restless slumber. From there, you can go ahead make adjustments, like closing your window so you’re apartment doesn’t dip below 70 degrees or making sure your vibrating phone isn’t sitting on your pillow.

The light looks a little like a periscope, which is fitting since it’s collecting all those nocturnal nuances. And with that gathered information, it adjusts its lighting and white noise to help you fall asleep and wake up at precisely the right moment.

So how much will a good night’s rest set you back? Basically, the same dollar amount to stay in an upscale hotel: $299. We’re wondering how many of the 70-ish million Americans dealing with sleep problems will be willing to drop the dough. Either way, your excuse for waking up on the wrong side of the bed has officially left the building.

What do you think sleepy heads? Are you going to lay down with Aura? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!